Zoom background blurring: how to get that perfect, professional look for your next video call
In this article, we’ll teach you how to blur your background in Zoom, so that your video conferencing experience looks more like a traditional videoconference and less like an up-close and personal home video. It’s easy, and the steps you’ll follow are mostly automated (with the exception of clicking one button). So what are you waiting for? Let’s get started!…
Use shapes (circles or ovals) as opposed to rectangular boxes
If you want to blur your background on a Zoom call, you’ll need to use the right kind of shape. Circles and ovals are the best shapes to use for this purpose, as they will create a more natural-looking blur. To get started, simply open up your Zoom settings and select the Virtual Background option. From there, you can choose one of the default images or upload your own. If you’re using a custom image, make sure it’s a high-resolution photo so that it doesn’t look pixelated on screen.
And that’s all there is to it! With just a few simple steps, you can achieve a polished, professional look for your next video call. Simply open up your Zoom settings and select the Virtual Background option. From there, you can choose one of the default images or upload your own. You can also change some other options if needed, such as making it seem like you’re in an office by adding a desk lamp and plant in front of you.
Try different angles
The best way to find the right angle is to experiment. Move around until you find a spot where your face is well-lit and in focus, while the background is nicely blurred. Try different heights, too—sitting or standing—to see what looks best. And if you have a green screen set up, that’s even better!
You can just put it behind you during the call, making sure to turn off any lights that might be on behind it. The result will be an absolutely perfect blur of your background with just your beautifully lit face front and centre.
Use your arms
To start, position yourself in front of a plain wall—the brighter the better. You’ll want to be about eight feet away from the wall, and make sure there’s plenty of light so your face is well-lit. Now, extend your arms out to either side so they’re parallel to the ground and about shoulder-width apart. Bring them closer together as you move your elbows closer together until you’re at arm’s length.
Slowly bring them back up to eye level. As you do this, keep one eye on the camera or device that will show your camera view during the video call, while keeping one eye on what you’re doing with your arms; this will help you see if you need to adjust anything before recording starts.
Avoid zooming while recording
When you’re recording a video, the last thing you want is for your audience to see a giant close-up of your face. Zooming in and out can be distracting, and it makes it difficult for viewers to connect with you. Instead, focus on filling the frame and keeping your distance from the camera.
You can also use a wide-angle lens to help you capture more of the scene. Alternatively, there are plenty of apps that will blur the background while you zoom in on your subject. One such app is Background Burner, which will automatically blur everything behind your focal point.
Use an extra light source from behind you
If you want to really make your blurred background stand out, try using an extra light source from behind you. This will help add depth and dimension to the blur, making it look more realistic. Just be careful not to overdo it – too much light can be just as distracting as a busy background. I find having a backlight is helpful when there’s natural sunlight or other daylight sources available outside. You can also use artificial lighting to illuminate your subject if needed.
Get rid of unwanted reflections by moving farther away from the wall.
If you’re like most people, you probably have a lot of stuff reflecting in your window behind you during Zoom calls. But there’s an easy fix: just move farther away from the wall! This will help reduce the amount of light bouncing back at the camera, and as a result, your background will appear more blurred. Here are a few other tips to keep in mind when shooting video with reflections in the background:
- 1) Use a backdrop or be careful about what colors are reflected in your office space.
- 2) Use non-reflective materials on walls (such as fabric).
- 3) Keep furniture or cabinets near windows or mirrors out of sight.
- 4) Cover windows with shades, blinds, curtains, or other materials to prevent light from entering.
